Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 39473, Benjamin Durkee, Conn. Continental

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn. Continental
Durkee, Benjamin
S. 39473 B.L.Wt. 420-300
CONTENTS

Vermont Roll. (N. 1900.)
letter to Secy of War, 18th Nov 1844 Hon H. Everett
Aug. 14. 1825 Dec 8 1835
Benjamin Durkee, Colo Mylrs Captain, Connecticut Line
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 20 Dollars per month, to commence the 10. of April 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 31. of July 1818 and sent to Josiah Dana, Esq. Chelsea, Vermont.
Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1818. 4 months 25/30. 4 months 25/30. $96.66
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818 } 8 Years
Continued Pension
Application sent Oct. 23. 1820 to T. E. G. McLaughlin Chief of Pensions Branch, War Department, Vermont
Drafted from the Roll, 12th March, 1829, under Act May 15, 1828. 14 Recd 35. papers copied for Gen. H. Everett.
See letter to Hon. J. Collamer H. R. Dec. 1. 1844.
Examined with Orig. Keokuk Aug. 1853
Death in 1853

John Bryant and May 12/52 P 42
Sebastian Smith Father - Mary
Bery Duke
Charles (1810-1880)
1810-1880
Sarah -
Robert Duke 1810-1880

April 27/1852
Sir
In behalf of persons interested I wish for permission to inquire at the Bounty Land Office of Silverus Smith & Abraham Howard of Mass. and Benjamin Durkee of Connecticut were entitled to and received 150.00 Land for service in the Army of the Revolution
Respectfully
Wm Lloyd
Also Isaac Sanborn of N.H. Hon J. E. H. ex Commr of Pension
Wart. N o 1902. for 300. ann, issued March 25 th 1790. to Sylvanus Smith, who was a Captain in the Mass s line —
Wart. N o 420. for 300. ann April 25 th 1808. to Ben o . Durkee, who was a Captain in the Connecticut line, and left the service as a Supernumerary , prior to the 21 st Oct r 1780
The name of Abraham Howard, is not returned on the records of the Mass s line, nor is the name of Josiah Sanborn, returned on the records of the N.H. line, among either the Officers or soldiers of said lines, who were entitled to, or who have received bounty lands from the U. States

Benjamin Purdie Declaration & Schedule
1900
Feb 8 th
H. B. G. [unclear] [unclear] [unclear]

State of Vermont } On this 5 th day of July 1820 personally appeared Orange County ss } the Comtys Court for said County of Orange in open Court said Court being a court of record agreeably to the laws of this State having the power of fine and imprisonment &c) Benjamin Durkee aged 77 years President in Cambridge in said County of Orange who being first duly sworn according to law clothed in his bath declare that he served in the revolutionary war as follows viz. The first day of Jan y 1776 I received ensigns Commission signed by John Hancock and served more than 2 years in Col t Durkees Regiment the 23 day of November 1781 I received a Lieutenants Commission and served as Lieutenant until June 1782. When I received a Commission and did the duty of a Captain until April 1783 in Col t Miller Regiment Connecticut line and there received my discharge. That he made his original declaration on the 10 th day of April 1818 has received a pension certificate No 1900 and I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18 th day of March 1818 and that I have not since that time by gift sale or in any manner disposal of any property or any part thereof without there- by diminished as to bring myself within the provision of an act of Congress entitled an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War passed on the 18 th day of March 1818 and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities contracts or debts due to me nor any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed  1 Stand 1 Table 1 Chest 2 pieces Iron Basketry 1 Sword 100 lbs 1 Sheepskin 1 Kettle 1 old 5 gal Kettle 1 Rough & Oven 85. horseware 475 1 12 foot bag 1 Shovel 3 axes plastering tools 58 Nails and other tools 25 1 Tub 1 Barrel 1 Pail 1 Shave horse saw punchers 17 Chain $1.00 Shoemakers tools 23. 1 Cow 20 lb of old Iron 150 1 Umbrella 1 Looking Glass whole amount $69.84  My occupation has been Farming and Shoemaking in age and infirmities render me unable to perform the business My Wife for some 16 years of age is in tolerable health for a person of her age I have no other family and dependant entirely on my pension for support Benjamin Durkee  Sworn and declared on the 5 th day of July 1820 before H. E. G. Loughlin Clerk
State of Vermont } ss to all to whom these presents shall come Orange County ss } Court for the County of Orange do hereby certify that the foregoing bath and the schedule thereto annexed a true copy from the records of said Court and I further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is $69.84
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Chelsea this 5 th day of July 1820 H. E. G. Loughlin Clerk

Captain Benjamin Duskie,
Cambridge April 10 th 1818
Ad. [faded] [faded] 4 [faded] Helica [faded]

I do hereby certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Benjamin Dunbar did serve in the revolutionary War on the Continental establishment as stated in the preceding declaration against the common Enemy and I also certify that it appears to my satisfaction that he is very poor and needs the Assistance of his family for support, and I now transmit the proceedings taken and had before me to the Secretary for the War department pur- suant to the above mentioned Act of Congress Chelsea July 9. 1818
Josiah Dana Chief Judge of Orange County Court
State of Vermont Orange County Clerk's Office July 9 th A D 1818 I hereby certify that Josiah Dana Esqr of Chelsea in the County of Orange and State of Vermont, is Chief Judge of the County Court within the County of Orange aforesaid acting under the author- -ority of the State of Vermont - and that his Name subscribed to the foregoing is in his own hand writing. -
Attest H. E. G. W. Laughlin Clerk of Orange County Court -

Benjamin Dake of Sunbridge in the County of Orange and State of Vermont testify and declare that on the first day of January A.D. 1776 I received an Ensigns Commission signed by John Hancock then President of Congress, and immediately entered the service in the United States Army and did duty as an Ensign more than two years when a new arrangement took place and a number of supernumerary Officers were dis- charged until called for for , and I was one of them. The Commi- -ssion I herewith transmit, altho much torn and defaced in consequence of its gitting much wet when I was in the service of the immediately entered the service in the Connecticut line, and on the 23 rd day of November 1781, I received a Lieutenants Commission signed by Jonathan Trumbull and did duty as a Lieutenant until the 21 st day of June 1782 when I received a Captains Commission signed by Genl Trumbull, and did the duties of a Captain till the Month of April 1784 when I was discharged by the Governor of Connecticut. The Commissions I enclose

I further testify that by reason of my reduced circumstances in life I am in need of assistance from my country for support, and wish to be put on the pension list according to a late act of Congress
Chelsea April 10 th 1818
Benj t Burks
State of Vermont y Chelsea April 10 th 1818 Orange County ss) Personally appeared Benjamin Burks and made oath to the foregoing declaration by him subscribed
Before me Isaac Dane Clerk Judge of Orange County Court

August 30, 1939
BA-J/MCS Benjamin Durkee S.39473
Mr. Edward Alson Poore College Highway Westfield, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
The data which follow were taken from papers on file in the pension claim, S.39473, based on the military service of the only Benjamin Durkee that is found in the Revolutionary War records of this office.
The date and place of birth of Benjamin Durkee and the names of his parents are not shown.
Benjamin Durkee served with the Connecticut troops as follows: he was commissioned January 1, 1776, ensign and served more than two years in Captain Thomas Dyer's company in Colonel Durkee's (relationship not shown) regiment; on November 23, 1781, was commissioned second lieutenant of a co. matross or artillery company at Groton and served until June 21, 1782, when he was commissioned captain of infantry and matross company in Colonel Wylllys' regiment and served until April, 1784; he was commissioned August 17, 1784, lieutenant of a company in a regiment of seven hundred men who were to take possession of the western forts as soon as the English evacuated them.
Benjamin Durkee was allowed pension on his application executed April 10, 1818, at which time he was living at Tunbridge, Orange County, Vermont.
In 1820 he was living in Tunbridge and stated that he was seventy-seven years of age and that his wife, Joanna, was seventy-six years of age. There are no further data relative to the family of Benjamin Durkee.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

39473 INVALID.
Rev
File No. 39473
Benjamin Durkee Capt Rev War
Act: 18 th March 18 th
Index: Vol. 8 , Page 148
[Arrangement of 1870.]
See Rev. War. Bounty Land M. 420 Benj. Durkee
Mov. 20/97 Mrs. L. K. Hillsboro Bridge, N.
March 21, 1903
Mrs. N. J. Brigham transferred
1906 June 18. History to Mrs. Etta J. Strong C.
1911 June 30. Hist. to Mrs. Leonard G. Drumhall
1919 Sept. 4. To Madeline Wilson
1925 Sept. 27. " Mrs. William
J. Byars
1929 Jan. 14. Hist. B.
Mrs. D. M. Hester
1939 Aug. 30 Hist. to
Mr. Edward Alson
Roore M.C.S.
1940 Feb. 8. Hist. to Mr.
Benj. G. B. Durkee M.C.S.

7 State of Conn ce ss. By his Excellency Matthew Griswold Esq r Captain General & Commander in Chief for and over all the Military Forces of the State of Connecticut ———
To Benjamin Wheeler late Lieutenant of the a Company and Captain in the Regiment of Infantry in the State of Connecticut ———
Under the command of Col l Wyllys in the late army of the United States: and late Captain & Commandant of the Posts at New London & Groton Whereas the United States in Congress assembled on the 3 rd Day of June: 1784 Did Resolve that a Body of Troops to Consist of 700: Men and Immediately and Indispensably necessary for taking Possession of the Western Posts as soon as evacuated by the Troops of his Britannick Majesty — for Protection of the Northwestern Frontiers guarding the Publick Stores and also to give Protection to the Emigrants appointed to hold a Treaty with the Indian Nations And Recommended to the States of Connecticut New York New Jersey and Pennsylvania to furnish that Number of Troops from their respective Quotas for the purpose aforesaid And to be form d into one Regiment to serve for Twelve Months Unless sooner Discharged and assigned: 105 of that Number for the State of Connecticut to furnish & Engag d in said Resolve that the pay Subsistence and Rations of the officers and Men employ d in that Service shall be the same as have been heretofore allow d to the Troops in the late army of the United States: and that each officer and soldier shall be allow d one Months pay after they are embodied & before they March ——— Therefore in compliance with the aforesaid Requisition of Congress and to carry the said Resolve into Execution for the Use and Benefit of the United States according to the True Intention thereof: So far as

as it concerns the State of Connecticut I do in Behalf of the State of Connecticut: appoint you to take Rank & Command as Lieutenant of one of the Companies in the Regiment of 700 men to be furnished for the purpose aforesaid and you serve therein in that Rank and character according to the true Intention of said Resolve of Congress in such manner as you shall be ordered & Directed Subjected to all the Rules & Regulations form for the Government of the late army of the United States or such Rules & Regulations as Congress or a Committee of the States in the Press of Congress may form Term of Twelve Months Unless sooner Discharged And that by the said Resolve of Congress you will be Intituled to Receive the same pay Subsistence & Rations as have heretofore been allow d to a Lieutenant in the late Army of the United States and that by said Resolve you will be Intituled to Receive one Months pay after you are Embodied and before March and that you hold Yourself in Readiness to March on the Shortest Notice to such of d Posts as you shall be ordered by the Secretary at War Subject to the Congress or to a Committee of the States in the Press of Congress And also as a further Compliance with the afores d Resolve of Congress You in pursuance of Resolve in the Behalf of the State of Connecticut I do hereby Impower & Direct You to cause to be Raised out of the Watchmen of this State Twenty able Bodied Effective Men to be employ d in the Service of the United States for the purpose afores d Subjected to the same Rules and Regulations form d for the Gover- nment of the late army of the United States or to such Rules & Regulations as Congress or a Committee of the States in the Press of Congress may form and that by the Resolve of Congress afores d they will be Intituled

Entitled to the same pay subsistence & Ration as have heretofore been allowed to the Privates in the late Army of the United States to serve therein for the Term of Twelve Months unless sooner Discharged and that by the same Resolve they will be en- titled to receive one Months pay after they are Embodied and before they March — And that you hold the oversight and Command of the Troops you shall cause to be so Raised till further orders — and all Civil & Military officers in this State are hereby Required to afford all proper aid and assistance to the Enlisting officers in the Service aforesaid — Given under my hand in the State of Connecticut The 27 th Day of August 1784.
E. Matthew Griswold

Jonathan Trumbull, Esquire,
Governor, Captain-General, and Commander in Chief of the STATE of CONNECTICUT.
To Benjamin (Dunbee) Genl. GREETING.
YOU being by the Governor & Council of Safety of this State appointed to be a Captain of a Company of Infantry in a Malitaries ordered to be by the General Assembly to be raised for Defence of the Port of New London.
Reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Fidelity, Courage, and good Conduct, I do, by Virtue of the Laws of this State, me thereunto enabling, appoint and impower you the said Benjamin (Dunbee) to be Captain of said Company. You are therefore carefully and diligently to Discharge the Duty of a Captain in Leading, Ordering, and Exercising said Company in Arms, both Inferior Officers and Soldiers, in the Service aforesaid, and to keep them in good Order and Discipline, hereby Commanding them to obey you as their Captain and yourself to observe and follow such Orders and Instructions, as you shall from Time to Time receive from me, or the Commander in Chief of said State, for the Time being, or other your Superior Officer, according to the Rules and Discipline of War, Pursuant to the Trust hereby reposed in you.
GIVEN under my Hand and Seal at Arms, in Lebanon the 28 th Day of June Anno Domini, 1782
Jon n Trumbull

Lt. Durkee has Leave of Absence until cal d for Camp 19 th Bt y 1778 Sam l H. Parsons Col y

Jonathan Trumbull, Esquire,
Governor, Captain-General, and Commander in Chief of the STATE of CONNECTICUT.
To Benjamin Durkee Gent s GREETING.
YOU being by the Governor and Council of Safety appointed to be Second Lieutenant of a Company ordered to be raised for Matrosses or Artillery at Groton
Reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Fidelity, Courage, and good Conduct, I do, by Virtue of the Laws of this State, me thereunto enabling, appoint and impower you the said Benjamin Durkee to be Lieutenant of said Company . You are therefore carefully and diligently to Discharge the Duty of a Lieutenant in Leading, Ordering, and Exercising said Company in Arms, both Inferior Officers and Soldiers, in the Service aforesaid, and to keep them in good Order and Discipline, hereby Commanding them to obey you as their Lieutenant and yourself to observe and follow such Orders and Instructions, as you shall from Time to Time receive from me, or the Commander in Chief of said State, for the Time being, or other your Superior Officer, according to the Rules and Discipline of War, Pursuant to the Trust hereby reposed in you.
GIVEN under my Hand and Seal at Arms, in Simsbury the 23 rd Day of November Anno Domini, 1758
Jon: Trumbull
To take pay from the first of November instant

IN C O N G R E S S.
The DELEGATES of the United Colonies New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, the land, Virginia, North-Carolina, and South-
of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, Counties of Newcastle, Kent, and Sussex on Delaware, Mary- Carolina, to Benjamin Durkee Juni. Gentleman
WE reposing especial trust and confidence in these presents constitute and appoint Company in the Twentieth
re in your patriotism, valour, conduct and fidelity, DO by you to be Ensign in Captain Thomas Dyer's Regiment of Foot
in the army of the United Colonies, raised hostile invasion thereof. You are the
the defence of American Liberty, and for repelling every diligently to discharge the duty of
Ensign by doing and performing a charge and require all officers and soldiers
manner of things thereunto belonging. And we do strictly for your command, to be obedient to your orders, as
Ensign And time to time as you shall receive from this Congress, for that purpose appointed, or C Colonies, or any other your superior officer. trust reposed in you. This commission to c
you are to observe and follow such orders and directions from a future Congress of the United Colonies, or Committee of Commander in Chief for the time being of the army of the United according to the rules and discipline of war, in pursuance of the continue in force until revoked by this or a future Congress.
By Order of the Congress.
John Hancock President
Attest Chatham Esq. Secy.
June 15th 1775
116

Log? by Pa. Fish Eng.
Benj a Dushes.
On examining this case the following facts appear - The return of Officers who are entitled to land contain the name of Benjamin Dushes. Captain in Col. Mylles Regt. of the Pennsylvanian Line - That he was a supernumerary Officer, and from an examination of the records of warrants of use he appears not to have ret d his land. - Other claims barred by acts of limitation.

N o 420
Benj t Durkee
Capt
Coast Line
W. ip o 25. April 1888
Del d to James Trichy
See Rev. War pension.
Sur. File No. 39473 -
Benj. Durkee -

Revolutionary Claims.
Under the act, entitled "An act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution," approved 15th May, 1828.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
2 March 1829.
SIR:
I have the honor to inform you, that Benjamin Durkee formerly a Captain in _____ Regiment of the Connecticut line of the Continental Army ; and who has heretofore received a pension at the Vermont agency, has been admitted to the benefits of the abovementioned act.
I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
Richard Rush
The Hon. the SECRETARY OF WAR.
No 134.

State of Vermont
Orange County Clerk's Office July Seventh A 1828 J. H. E. H th Langhlin Clerk of Orange County Court do hereby certify that Josiah Dana & John Stearns the persons who have sworn to the truth =ity of the within named Benj a Burkee are persons to me well known to be credible witnesses aged from 40 to fifty six years In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court the day & year above written J. H. E. H th Langhlin Clerk

Oct 1865
Letter of
Issuing
Chapman
Smallfield
391/2

Revolutionary Claims.
[ A. ]
Form of a Declaration to be made by the Officers.
For the purpose of obtaining the benefits of an act, entitled "An act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution," approved on the 15th of May, 1828, I, Benjamin Durkee of Tunbridge , in the county of Orange , in the State of Vermont , do hereby declare that I was an officer in the Continental Line of the Army of the Revolution, and served as such* to the termination of the war.
at which period I was a Captain in the regiment of the Connecticut line.
And I do also declare that although I served in the capacity of Paymaster for from four to five years previous to the close of the war and became entitled to receive certificates (commonly called commutation certificates) for a sum equal to the amount of five years full pay, which sum was offered by the residue of Congress, of the 22d of March 1793, instead of the full pay for life, to which I was entitled under the resolve of the 21st of October 1780, yet I have not been placed in possession of such a certificate, which must have been issued in my name, and the amount of which, together with the arrears of pay due to me at the close of the war, I conclude must stand to my credit in the books of the Treasury, of the United States.
And I do further declare, that I have received of the United States as a pensioner since the 3d day of March, 1826, the sum of four hundred and eighty dollars, paid to me by the Agent for paying pensions in the State.
Witness my hand, this seventh day of July , in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty eight, Benjamin Durkee
Before me, † John Smith a Justice of the Peace in the county of Orange , in the State of Vermont , personally appeared, this day, Benjamin Durkee , of the said county, who did severally make oath that Benjamin Durkee , by whom the foregoing declaration was subscribed, is generally reputed and believed to have been an officer in the Army of the Revolution, in manner as therein stated.
Witness my hand, this seventh day of July , in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty eight, John Smith, Justice Peace
I, _____, Clerk of the Court of the county of _____, in the State of _____, do hereby certify, that _____, before whom the foregoing affidavits were sworn, was, at the time, a _____, and duly empowered to administer oaths.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, this _____ day of _____ [L. S.]
* Here insert, To the end of the war, or, (as the case may be,) to the time when the arrangement of the Army provided by the resolves of Congress of the 3d and 21st of October, 1780, was carried into effect; and that I was reduced under that arrangement. † Here insert, The sum of _____ dollars, paid to me by the agent for paying pensions in the State of _____. If the claimant has not been a pensioner, this part of the declaration may be omitted. ‡ A Justice of the Peace, or other magistrate duly empowered to administer oaths, as the case may be.

Ms. A. 9. 2. 15 REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, August 2. 1828
Benjamin Durkee, of Tunbridge, in the County of Orange, in the State of Vermont has applied to the Secretary of the Treasury for the benefits of the act, entitled "An Act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the army of the Revolution," approved on the 15th of May, 1828. He states that he was as an officer on the Continental line, and served as such to the termination of the war,
at which period he was a Captain in the _____ regiment of the Connecticut line; and that he has not received commutation certificates for the five years full pay granted by the resolve of 22 March, 1783; and, further, that he has received as a pensioner since the 3d of March, 1826, four hundred and eighty dollars, paid to him by the agent in the State of Vermont ,
The Third Auditor is requested to report how far these several statements are corroborated by the records in his office.
By order of the Secretary, A. Wilkins.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, THIRD AUDITOR'S OFFICE, 9 th August 1828
It appears by the records in this office that final settlement certificates have been issued for the commutation of five years full pay to _____ in dollars. the _____ line, amounting to _____ dollars.
It further appears that Benjamin Durkee is now on the pension list of the Vermont agency, and has been since the 3 d March 1826 at the rate of Twenty Dollars per month.
In the Book containing the names of Officers entitled to land, Benjamin Durkee is returned as a supernumerary Captain of the Connecticut line.
John Hagner Aud y

Revolutionary Claims.
Under the act, entitled "An act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution," approved 15th May, 1828.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
August 14. 1828
The annexed paper, relating to the claim of Benjamin Durkee , under the abovementioned act, is respectfully referred to the Secretary of War, with a request that he will be pleased to cause me to be informed whether a commission, and, if so, what commission, was received at the War Department, from the claimant, on an application stated to have been heretofore made by him for a pension, and whether, by any records in the Department, it appears that he continued in service to the end of the war.
Richard R. V.
The Hon. the SECRETARY OF WAR.
War Department Bounty land office
It appears by a record in this office that Benjamin Durkee was returned as a supernumerary Captain of the Connecticut line. It also appears that warrant N o . 420 issued for his bounty land on the 25 of April 1808 as to a Captain - But the only document I find by virtue of which it issued is in the following words & figures "Lt. Durkee has leave of absence until called for - Camp 19 Oct 1778" signed "Sam l H. Parsons B.G."
Robert Taylor 14 Aug 2 1828
Letter War Dept the 14th Aug 1828.

Office of Solicitor of claims (Washington City 28 th Feby 1829)
Sir;
If the objection to the allowance of the claim of Capt t Benjamin Durkee is understood, it is based on his having become a supernumerary in 1778, which fact appears of record, but it is to be observed that it was in the capacity of an Ensign and not in that of a captain as reported by the third Auditor; It is concurred that there can but two questions arise in the decision of this case 1 st Whether after becoming a supernumerary in 1778 he again entered the continental service 2 nd Whether he did not become a supernumerary captain after the reorganization of the Army in January 1781 and whether in such an event he can be barred from the benefits of the act of the 15 th May 1828. (The first question is solved by the history of his after services; The State of Connecticut did provide for the raising of two companies for the defence of Groton and New London, in the first of these Ensign Durkee then on leave of absence was appointed in 1781 a Lieutenant by State authority (which explains the misapprehension prevailing at the pension office where his commissions are on file, as to the character of his

his services ended in 1782 he was appointed a Captain of the Second; These two Companies were by virtue of the resolution of the 20 th Nov r 1781 received into the Continental service as a part of the quota of Connecticut and were attached to Col l Weyllis' regiment, which it is believed was afterwards consolidated with that commanded by Col l Sherman; It is therefore, self evident that if he did again become a supernumerary, it must have been after the reform of the Army in January 1781, and it is believed that the resolution of the 3 rd Oct r 1780, fully secures to those who become supernumeraries after that date the advantages of the act of May 1828. As to the proviso of the resolution of Congress of the 20 th Nov r 1781 it could only have been intended to shield the U States from a claim for depreciation of pay and to leave the settlement of it to the State under whose immediate authority the companies commanded by Captains Durkee and Ransom were called into service; It was a proviso for the benefit of the U States , which did not change the character of the troops, they were received and served as a portion of the quota of Connecticut, and were therefore as much Continental troops as if they had been originally enlisted as such and of the fact that troops were often received in Continental establishment in this manner, I would appeal to Col l Agden, if the practice of the Office has not amply established it. I am Sir, with profound respect, !! O. N. S.
Hon. Richard Rush Secretary of the Treasury
J. N. Waldo

Know all men by these presents that I Benjamin Durkee late of Windham in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut and now of Sunbridge in the County of Orange and State of Vermont, have constituted and appointed and by these presents do constitute and appoint James Fish Esqr of Barre in the County of Orange aforesaid my lawful agent and attorney to do and perform for me and in my behalf all things necessary and proper to be done and performed in obtaining for me the right or share of land to which I am intitled by reason of having served as Captain in the Connecticut line during the American war - And I do hereby empower the aforesaid James Fish to sell and dispose of the aforesaid share or right of land by deed or otherwise as he may then proper - And I do hereby ratify and confirm the doings of the said James Fish, both in obtaining for me, the aforesaid share or right of land, and in disposing of the same, in as full and complete a manner as I myself could do were I personally present - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal at Chelsea in said County of Orange this nineteenth day of March A D 1808
Benj r Durkee
In presence of J. H. Tuttle Benjamin Griswold

State of Vermont ss At Chelsea in said County of Orange, on Orange County ss the 19th day of March A.D. 1808 personally appeared Benjamin Dumble the signer and sealor of the within and foregoing instrument and acknowledged the same to be his free act and deed before me Saml Badger Justice Peace
B Dumble Sealer

Waukesha Mar. 6 1883.
My dear Sir,
On account of finding,
Dear Sir,
Will you kindly send me the military record of David Lucas Major & Quartermaster in the 1st Wisconsin Heavy Artillery Battery. I am a prisoner. Will you kindly inform me if any of the following names appear in the records of the Department.
 Aaron Bigelow  Simeon Rose Durham Ct.  Morris Clegg " "  John Trask New Salem Mass  Nathaniel Stanley Jr.  John Stanley Cromen Ct.  Conrad Smith Durham Ct.  Benjamin Durkee  Joshua Shaw Jr. Sincerely Yours  Mrs. H. C. Brigham Waukesha Wis. 

Memphis, Tenn 3/31/28
Pension Office -
Gentlemen -
I am desirous of joining the D. A. D. - but do not know first how to establish my ancestry. They were all Easterners - Robert Durkee born at Windham Dec 10/1713 He had a son Benjamin born about 1744 or 5, I think in Aug - Record blurred - Silas born - Feb - 25 - 1775 - Bengam " Nov 13 - 1813, who is my grandfather. These all lived in Conn. N. J. Mass and N.Y. at various times. Can you give me any information about their war service - and oblige.
Mrs. D. M. Hast 1822 Union ave

Department of the Interior Washington, D.C.
Can you supply me with the military history of Benjamin Dukes, a soldier of the Revolutionary War? I have understood he was a captain in the Conn. troops.
Very truly
Mrs. Leonard G. Trumbull
Hartford Vermont June 27, 1911.

Fort Atkinson Wis June 13-1906
Pension Dep. Rev. War.-
Guillem:-
Can you send me the name of town in which Benjamin Durkee-Captain in the war of the Revolution and later pensioner was born. and where died.

I have the dates of his birth and death, but not where they occurred. He was born Aug 18-1745 and died Jan 7 th 1812 - was my Great-grand- father. Please let me know as soon as possible as I have my papers from Adg. Genl of Conn. ready to receive a D.A.R. but lack the information which

I am sure you can give me.
Yours very truly Mrs. Ella J. Strong - 64 Grove Street Fort Atkinson Wisconsin

Post Office Hollidaysburg
Hollidaysburg Pa.
August 28, 1919
Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir,
I am looking for information concerning a Captain Benjamin Lusk who served during Revolutionary war. Can you help me in any way?
Yours truly Madeline Wilson

Hillsboro' Bridge, N. H.
Nov. 7, 1897.
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:- Can
you give me any information concerning Capt. Benjamin Durkee's war record. Who, it is believed enlisted from Connecticut, served during the war and was discharged in 1780. He enlisted under Col. Henry Durkee.
At one time he had charge of Fort Trumbull under Gov. Trumbull.
This information I wish for the daughters of the Revolution. If you

cannot furnish the required information, can you tell me where I can obtain it?
I will gladly pay for the above information.
Very Respectfully,
Mrs. S. L. Kendall
Hillsboro' Bridge, New Hamp.

New York City.
Dec 1st - 1927.
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington - D.C. Gentlemen.
Will you kindly furnish me the order record - of the members of Benjamin Dunkee Family who received pension after the Revolutionary War.
He, was in Major Abediah Johnson's Company, Putnam's (3) Connecticut Regiment, raised by Colony of Connect- icut in 1775. His name appears in an undated pay roll of that organization, which shows that he enlisted May 19th. was discharged December 16th. And, was in service Six months and twenty seven days.
I am anxious to complete my records for membership to D.A.R.'s My bible records the birth

death & marriage, & children of the Durkee family back to 1630. in this country -
My grandfather's name is Benjamin Durkee - his family all lived in this section (Connecticut and New York)
Any information will be most happily received - in regards the Durkee family - as many of them were in the War of 1775 & 1776.
The connecting links - are only necessary - for me to record -
Yours sincerely and Thanking you in advance - I am -
Mrs. Vida Stafford, Durkee, Byars. No. 1, S. Elliott Place - Brooklyn - N. Y. C.
(Mrs. M. T. Byars.) No. 1 - S. Elliott Pl. Brooklyn - N. Y.

BENJAMIN G. B. DURKEE 38 PROFESSORS ROW TUFTS COLLEGE, MASS.
January 29, 1940
United States Veterans Administration Revolutionary Pension Section Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen, -
Will you kindly give me all the information possible from the application of Benjamin Durkee , born Hampton, Conn., October 18, 1744, died Tunbridge, Vt., April 25, 1829.
Truly yours,
Benjamin G. B. Durkee Benjamin G. B. Durkee

August 30, 1939
BA-J/MCS Benjamin Durkee, S. 39473 Solomon Durkee, S. 42682
Mr. Edward Alson Poore College Highway Westfield, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your request for the records of Revolutionary War soldiers, Benjamin, Solomon and Asahel Durkee.
Because of the large number of requests for records of Revolutionary War soldiers and the lack of clerical force available for furnishing such information, it has been impossible to comply in full with requests similar to yours. The records of Benjamin and Solomon Durkee are furnished herewith.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

By your request of _____, received _____ for _____ of the military history of _____ a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau.
File 29473
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Aug. 1, 1776 More than 2 years Private James Mott Putnam Conn   Nov. 23, 1775 June 21, 1782 2nd Lieut. of a of a ✓ Conn   June 21, 1782 Sept 1784 1st Lieut. of Inf'ty of Inf'ty ✓   Aug. 17, 1784 Point. { Of a regiment of 700 men to take possession of western forts as soon as evacuated by English.  
Battles engaged in, ✓ Residence of soldier at enlistment, ✓ Date of application for pension, 4th of 1810 This claim was allowed. Residence at date of application, Providence, Rhode Island Age at date of application, seventy-five years. Remarks: in 1820 he reported that his wife Frances aged

January 14, 1929.
Mrs. D. M. Haste, 1822 Union Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee.
Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 39473, it appears that Benjamin Durkee served with the Connecticut Troops, as follows:
He was commissioned January 1, 1778 ensign and served more than two years in Captain Thomas Dyer's Company, Colonel Durkee's Regiment; November 23, 1781 was commissioned Second Lieutenant of a Matross  at Dyer's  of  Artillery Company and served to June 21, 1782, when he was commissioned Captain of a company of Infantry and Matross Company in Colonel Wylllys' Regiment and served to April 1784; and he was commissioned August 17, 1784 lieutenant of a company in a regiment of seven hundred men, who were to take possession of the western forts, as soon as the English evacuated them.
He was allowed pension on his application executed April 10, 1818, at which time he was living at Tunbridge, Orange County, Vermont.

In 1820, he rest in peace stated that he was seventy-seven years old and referred to his wife, Joanna as aged seventy-six years.
There are no further family data.
The above noted Benjamin Durkee is the only soldier of that name found on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT, Commissioner.
copied by ady

September 27, 1928.
Mrs. William T. Byars, 1 South Elliott Place, Brooklyn, New York.
Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 39473, it appears that Benjamin Durkee served with the Connecticut Troops, as follows:
He was commissioned January 1, 1776 ensign and served more than two years in Captain Thomas Dyer's Company, Colonel Durkee's Regiment; November 23, 1781 was commissioned Second Lieutenant of a Company of Matross or Artillery Company and served to June 21, 1782, when he was commissioned Captain of a Co. of Infantry and Matross Company in Colonel Myllys' Regiment and served to April 1784; and he was commissioned August 17, 1784 lieutenant of a company in a regiment of seven hundred men, who were to take possession of the western forts, as soon as the English evacuated them.
He was allowed pension on his application executed April 10, 1818, at which time he was living at Tunbridge, Orange County, Vermont.

COPIED BY ADY
In 1820, he stated that he was seventy-seven years old and referred to his wife, Joanna as aged seventy-six years.
There are no further family data.
The above noted Benjamin Durkee is the only soldier of that name found on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau.
In order to search the above mentioned records for soldiers with surname Durkee, the full name is essential with as much as possible of the following data pertaining to them: approximate dates of birth and death, places of residence at enlistment and after service and given name of widow.
Owing to the very large number of inquiries similar to yours and the lack of a clerical force available for the purpose, the bureau is unable to make immediate reply to each request pertaining to soldiers of the Revolution and War of 1812.
Letters are being answered as rapidly as possible in the order of receipt.
Only two histories furnished each inquirer.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT, Commissioner.

February 8, 1940
BA-J/MCS Benjamin Durkee S.39473
Mr. Benjamin G. B. Durkee 38 Professors Row Tufts College, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your request for information relative to Benjamin Durkee, a Revolutionary War soldier who was born in Hampton, Connecticut, October 18, 1744, and died at Tunbridge, Vermont, April 25, 1829.
The data which follow were taken from papers on file in the pension claim, S.39473, based on the military service of Benjamin Durkee.
The date and place of birth of Benjamin Durkee and the names of his parents are not shown.
Benjamin Durkee served with the Connecticut troops as follows: he was commissioned ensign January 1, 1776, and served more than two years in Captain Thomas Dyer's company in Colonel Durkee's (relationship not shown) regiment; on November 23, 1781, he was commissioned second lieutenant of a company of matrosses or artillery at Groton and served until June 21, 1782, when he was commissioned captain of a company of infantry and matrosses in Colonel Wylllys' regiment and served until April, 1784; on August 17, 1784, he was commissioned lieutenant of a company in a regiment of seven hundred men who were to take possession of the western forts as soon as the English evacuated them.
Benjamin Durkee was allowed pension on his application executed April 10, 1818, at which time he was living at Tunbridge, Orange County, Vermont.

Benjamin Durkee was living in Tunbridge in 1820 and then stated that he was seventy-seven years of age and that his wife, Joanna, was seventy-six years of age. There are no further data relative to the family of Benjamin Durkee.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLIER Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Did not refer inquirer to Gen. Adm. Office as sold. was dropped from pen. roll, Mar. 12, 1829
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